Often, I suspect that pride kills as many alcoholics
as liquor does. . .
My reaction to fast-progressing alcoholism
was chiefly a frantic effort to hide it.
Ask for help? What an idea!
The day came when my pride was squashed flat,
and I did call for help.
I called on people -- strangers.
But my pride, expanding as health returned,
blocked my first two approaches to AA.
After one more failure to regain my skill as a social drinker,
I was convinced, and I began my AA membership
in earnest.